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Calphalon Signature Metal-Safe Wok, 12-Inch

Last updated: January 6, 2022

Calphalon Signature Metal-Safe Wok, 12-Inch
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We looked at the top Woks and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Wok you should buy.

Overall Take

The Calphalon Stainless Steel Wok is a versatile pan that heats up evenly and quickly. The flat bottom makes it suitable for both electrical and gas ranges. However, ingredients may stick to the surface of the wok if an adequate amount of oil is not added.

In our analysis of 190 expert reviews, the Calphalon Signature Metal-Safe Wok, 12-Inch placed 10th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Tri-Ply stainless combines the even heating of lightweight aluminum with the durability and corrosion-resistance of steel in an elegant design. Aluminum core between 2 stainless steel layers provides even heating for excellent browning and control of the cooking process. Non-porous stainless steel cooking surface is safe for use with all utensils. Elegant brushed stainless steel exterior can go from the oven or stove directly to the table. Reflective cook surface makes it easy to monitor foods as they cook and remains beautiful over time. Clear tempered-glass lids let you see food while it’s cooking and are oven safe, so you can finish covered dishes in the oven or keep them warm until ready to serve. Adapted from a traditional round-bottom wok, this flat-bottom wok has a wide cooking surface ideal for stir-frying on gas or electric ranges. The domed cover is perfect for steaming and simmering soups. Long, brushed stainless steel handles stay cool on the stovetop. All cookware is dishwasher-safe and carries Calphalon’s full lifetime warranty. Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads, oven cleaners or other caustic cleaning solutions, baking soda, bleach, or liquid household cleaners used for floors, porcelain, etc. to clean the pans.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

Not only can you cook confidently, but you can buy with confidence as well, with a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee. Well worth the price tag.
This comes with a tempered glass lid, so you can use it for steaming or other cooking purposes, and you can watch what’s cooking. Both the pan and lid are oven safe, so you can finish a dish in the oven, or keep it warm for serving. The pan is also broiler safe.
Heats up quickly and evenly
The domed cover is perfect for steaming and simmering soups.
The clear-glass tempered lid is another feature that you will find with Calphalon Triply Stainless Steel Wok Pan. The lid is made of glass is to ensure that you can see the contents without the need to open it.
Like most other woks, this too comes with a tempered glass lid which allows you to monitor the food that is cooking at all times. Being dome-shaped, this wok is great for steaming and simmering soups.
The flat-bottom cooking surface means there’s no problem if you’ll be cooking on a traditional gas or electric range. Complete with northern-style handles for easy handling and a domed lid to create yummy rice or delectable soup, you’re sure to love this wok.
The excellent performance of this pan is also accompanied by its contemporary look, which comes partly from the satin brushed stainless steel which has a smooth and frosty shine to it.
An aluminum core ensures that it will heat quickly and evenly. Its flat bottom makes it suitable for induction ranges and it’s safe to use in your oven and dishwasher.
Aluminum core quickly distributes heat. An aluminum core quickly moves heat through the wok, allowing for shorter heating times. It also gives better temperature control for searing, sauteing and doing stir fry.
The Calphalon Triply is a beauty to look at and cook with, featuring a high-performing aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel for consistent heating of every meal.
Since its exterior surface is all steel, you are free to use a wide variety of cooking utensils, including metal, wood, and nylon utensils.
The handle stays cool while it’s on the stove
This lightweight and highly practical wok has an aluminum core located between 2 stainless steel layers. The system makes for healthy and delicious meals and the unit measures just 12 inches, so it’s a good choice for people who live along and don’t have a lot of food to cook per session. The lid is transparent and allows you to see how the food is coming along.
It absorbs heat quickly, ensuring even and consistent distribution of warmth. Its well-built stainless steel and aluminum core render durability and corrosion-proof attributes second to none.

What experts didn't like

Its 12-inch diameter makes it the smallest of all woks on the list. The stainless steel finish makes it a little heavy, and slow to heat up.
When full of water, it can be very heavy, but not unmanageable
Do not be surprised if you find it a bit heavy especially when it is full: this might be a concern for people with less strength.
Some users complain about the pan getting some rust.
If adequate oil is not added, the contents might stick to the surface of the wok
​The long handle is thin and might not be comfortable to hold when you are carrying heavy content in the pan
May warp and become discolored at very high temperatures
It’s heavy, which could make it hard to handle for some people. A few reviewers find they don’t feel secure carrying the wok with only the long handle
Expensive.
It’s slightly smaller than other similar pieces, but it’s still large enough to do the job
The size of the wok might be an inconvenience for people with big families.
Dishwashing, soap and abrasive sponges can degrade the polished luster of stainless steel

Our Expert Consultant

Julie Chernoff
Culinary Expert

Julie Chernoff is a long-time member of Les Dames d’Escoffier (past president of the Chicago Chapter, and current co-chair of the LDEI Legacy Awards Committee), the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Chernoff is the dining editor of Better, a lifestyle website and print magazine. Her journalism started in the test kitchens of Weight Watchers Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has spent the last few decades styling, photographing, teaching, developing recipes, editing, thinking and writing about food.

View our Wok buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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